When you return from your walk in the forest, your dog is covered in mud , dirt , or even water from the lake he absolutely insisted on jumping into… One thing is for sure: as soon as you get home, you put him straight in the bath!
But in this kind of situation, should you just rinse it off, or use dog shampoo? And that's a good question: how often should you wash and bathe a dog?
BFPetfood explains all the subtleties of knowing when to wash your dog.
When to wash your dog: is it mandatory?
Just like us, dogs need regular hygiene to stay healthy. A bath helps remove dirt , allergens , parasites , and bacteria that can accumulate during walks. Or simply eliminate unpleasant odors, especially for long-haired dogs who tend to accumulate them.
As a dog owner, washing your dog is almost an obligation. Not only to take care of him , but also to offer him that little moment of relaxation. What could be better than a cool shower when it's hot, and a nice hot bath when it's cold?
However, as always, it's a question of finding the right balance: you need to know when to wash your dog. Because there's " not enough washing " and there's " too much washing "... So, where is the happy medium to take care of him without irritating his skin?
Why wash your dog regularly?
In practical terms, regularly washing your dog helps to keep its coat clean and shiny.
The right dog shampoo removes excess oil and impurities , promoting a shiny and soft coat. A clean coat also reduces the risk of dandruff and skin irritation.
And as you now know, getting a bath is quite a relaxing experience ! At least, for dogs who love water…
How often should you bathe your dog?
In practical terms, veterinarians recommend spacing out shampoos to 4 to 6 weeks . The reason is simple: a dog's skin is not at all like ours.
Indeed, in addition to its fur which protects it from external aggressions, its skin is covered with a natural water-repellent oil. This protects it from water and humidity, but also from bacteria and minor everyday problems.
The only downside is that this natural layer takes three weeks to fully regenerate after a bath. This means that if you bathe your dog every week, its skin's protective barrier won't have enough time to form.
He may therefore develop skin allergies or sensitivities that will ruin his life ( and yours, too). That's why it's important to know when to bathe your dog!
But between 4 and 6 weeks is a general guideline. In reality, the perfect spacing depends on many factors.
Criteria to consider when deciding when to wash your dog
Firstly, some dog breeds, such as the poodle or the bichon frisé, have coats that require more regular maintenance to prevent matting and sebum buildup. Others, such as the pointer or the German shepherd , have coats that are better suited to outdoor activities and require less bathing.
Generally speaking, a long-haired dog will need about one bath per month. But with a short-haired dog, you'll need a shampoo every 2-3 months . If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian for advice!
Beyond the breed and coat of your four-legged companion, their lifestyle and activities also have a big impact on the perfect frequency for bathing them.
A dog that spends a lot of time outdoors, exploring nature, will be more exposed to mud and dust… It will therefore get dirty faster than an apartment dog.
🐶 BFPetfood's tip:
Is your dog an adventurer at heart? Does he come back from his walks with dried mud in his fur and wet paws ? Be careful not to bathe him too often!
There are alternatives to avoid excessive washing . First, you can start by brushing your dog to remove any small bits of dust and mud. Then, use your dry shampoo . This natural product is used without water : simply apply it to your dog's coat and massage it in well. It will absorb excess oil, reducing dirt.
And if you want to kill two birds with one stone, you can also invest in an anti-parasitic dry shampoo . This natural repellent keeps ticks away while also caring for your pet's coat.
Finally, if dirt isn't too much of a problem but your dog smells bad, invest in an alcohol-free dog perfume . This skin-friendly fragrance will mask unpleasant odors without the need for frequent baths.
When to wash your dog: the recommended frequency
As you've probably gathered, it's generally recommended to bathe your dog about once a month for basic maintenance. But be sure to adjust this schedule to your dog's lifestyle and needs, to give them the care they deserve.
Moreover, if your dog already has sensitive skin or dermatological problems , these tips do not apply to him: your veterinarian will be best placed to explain how to wash your dog, and how often.
What products and shampoos should you choose to wash your dog?
Now that you've identified the perfect frequency for washing your dog, you still need to choose the right products . Indeed, as you've probably gathered, dogs' skin is very particular.
It has a much higher pH than ours, which means you shouldn't use the same soaps on yourself as on your dog. Buy it its own shampoo to avoid skin reactions!
Simple and effective for caring for your dog 's coat, coconut shampoo is very practical. It's applied just like any other shampoo!
And it's the same for repellent dog shampoo , which combines flea treatment and natural cleansing.
Finally, if you have strong environmental concerns, you can also opt for solid dog shampoo . This product is used just like our own solid shampoos: simply wet your dog, moisten the solid shampoo bar, and then rub it into their coat. Massage it in to allow the product to penetrate, then rinse thoroughly. And that's it!
🐶 BFPetfood's tip:
If your dog has any redness or patches , it means they are sensitive to certain allergens. In that case, don't hesitate to invest in a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive skin .
6 steps to follow to properly wash your dog
So you have your dog shampoo , you know when to wash your dog… Now all you need to know is exactly how to do it. BFPetfood breaks down the perfect shampoo for your dog into 6 washing steps.
1 – Brush your dog
Before wetting your dog, brush him to remove dead hair and untangle knots.
This step will make washing easier and prevent hairballs from forming. It will make the rest of the process much more pleasant!
2 – Wet it gradually
Once all the knots and dirt are removed, gradually wet your dog's coat. We recommend starting by avoiding the head and proceeding step by step, so as not to stress him unnecessarily. Bath time should remain a pleasant experience!
3 – Apply your dog shampoo
Apply the shampoo by gently massaging the coat and skin, so that the product penetrates well and removes excess sebum.
4 – Rinse it well
As you might expect, you then need to rinse the dog shampoo thoroughly so that no trace remains. Don't hesitate to rinse thoroughly: it's better to rinse too much than not enough!
5 – Apply the product of your choice
To complete your dog's bath, why not take care of its coat by adding a keratin-based canine treatment ? This nutrient-rich mask will give it a silky and shiny coat.
6 – Dry your dog
Finally, dry your pet by patting them with a soft towel. You can also use a hairdryer on a low heat setting, being careful not to direct it directly at the skin, but to keep it on the surface of the fur.
When to wash your dog: find the right balance!
Giving your dog a bath is therefore essential for taking care of him. But as always, you shouldn't do too much or too little!
Depending on its breed , coat type , and lifestyle, adjust the frequency of bathing. Only by considering all these factors can you determine when to bathe your dog.
And once you know more, be sure to choose shampoos that respect the pH of your baby's skin and any sensitivities. Bath time should remain a pleasurable experience, for both of you!
